Forbright Bank vs. Popular Direct
Compare rates, requirements, and features side-by-side to find the best option for you.
| Metric | Forbright BankGrowth Savings Jan 7, 2026 | Popular DirectPopular Direct Select Savings Jan 7, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Est. Earnings | $5,000+$200 $10,000+$400 $25,000+$1,000 | $5,000+$195 $10,000+$390 $25,000+$975 |
Min Deposit | $0 | $100 |
Snapshot view. Rates subject to change. | ||
| Features | FDIC InsuredNo MinimumsGreat iOS AppGreat Android AppZelle® Supported | FDIC InsuredLow Minimums |
Market Reality Check
Both of these banks offer rates below the current top tier. The best rates we track are currently above 4.21% APY.
Comparison Analysis
Comparing Forbright Bank vs. Popular Direct
As of Forbright Bank offers an APY of 4.00% for its Growth Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0, compared to Popular Direct's 3.90% APY for its Popular Direct Select Savings account, with a minimum balance of $0.01.
Forbright Bank pays $10 more than Popular Direct on a $10,000 balance after one year. Forbright Bank pays $400, while Popular Direct pays $390 - an APY advantage for Forbright Bank.
In addition, Forbright Bank also offers 3.65% APY for the Bright Savings account, with a minimum balance of $250,000.
Why Forbright Bank?
- ✓Physical branch access (Locations in the Washington D.C. area (Maryland and Virginia))
- ✓Higher rated iOS app (4.8 vs 1.3)
- ✓Higher rated Android app (4.5 vs 1.3)
- ✓Offers 3 different high-yield savings options
- ✓Fast transfers via Zelle®
Why Popular Direct?
No distinct advantages found vs Forbright Bank.
— Key Feature Differences —
Best Mobile App Experience
Forbright BankForbright Bank offers an iOS app rated 4.8 (vs. 1.3) and Android app rated 4.5 (vs. 1.3)
Shared Benefits
Over a 1-year period, Forbright Bank's Growth Savings pays $10 more interest on a $10,000 balance than Popular Direct's Popular Direct Select Savings.
*This calculation assumes current rates remain consistent for 1 year and does not include temporary bonuses.
Executive Summary as of
Forbright Bank offers a competitive Growth Savings account with a leading APY of 4.00%, making it the top choice for savers. This account requires no minimum deposit or balance and is online-only, providing a convenient banking experience. Additionally, Forbright features the Bright Savings and Sprout Savings accounts, which yield lower APYs of 3.65% and cater to specific customer needs. In comparison, Popular Direct's Select Savings account offers an APY of 3.90%, also with no minimum balance and online-only access. While both banks provide attractive savings options, Forbright Bank stands out with its higher APY on the Growth Savings account.
The analysis is based on current Banksparency database records
* This content is provided for informational purposes only; always verify details with the provider.
Non-sponsored link to official site
Non-sponsored link to official site
Top Market Contenders
Forbright Bank vs. Popular Direct Savings Calculator
You earn $10 more with Forbright Bank than Popular Direct on a $10,000 initial deposit for 1 year*.
*This calculation assumes that APYs remain unchanged for 1 year, and takes into account known promo rate periods, but does not factor in bonuses. You can see how often these banks have changed their rates in the Compare Savings Rates Over Time section below.
Forbright Bank
Growth Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$400.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,400.00
Popular Direct
Popular Direct Select Savings
Savings Breakdown
- Interest Earned+$390.00(3.8%)
- Total Contributions$0
- Initial Deposit$10,000
Projected Balance
$10,390.00
The Banksparency Savings Calculator provides estimated savings growth based on user input and our latest data.
| Feature | Forbright Bank | Popular Direct |
|---|---|---|
| APY | 4.00% Verified: 1/7/2026 Stable (90d) | 3.90% Verified: 1/7/2026 ↘︎ 0.15%90d Change |
| Product Name | Growth Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings |
| Minimum Deposit | $0 | $100 |
| Min. Balance for APY | $0 | $0.01 |
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Branch Access | None | None |
| Account Type | Online Only | Online Only |
| Direct Deposit Req. | None | None |
| Checking Bundle | No | No |
| Mobile Apps | iOS4.8 Android4.5 | iOS1.3 Android1.3 |
| Zelle® Support | Available Branch accounts only; Growth Savings online does NOT support. | Not Supported |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Next Steps | Visit SiteVerify at Forbright Bank Non-sponsored link to official site | Visit SiteVerify at Popular Direct Non-sponsored link to official site |
📈 Compare Savings Rates Over Time
Historical Performance
| Metric | Forbright Bank | Popular Direct | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprout Savings | Bright Savings | Growth Savings | Popular Direct Select Savings | |
Current APY | 3.65% | 3.65% | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Trend | Stable | Stable | Stable | Stable |
Velocity (bps/mo) | -3.3 | -3.3 | -2.6 | -3.1 |
Days Since Change | 98 | 98 | 90 | 23 |
12-Month High | 3.90% | 3.90% | 4.60% | 4.60% |
12-Month Low | 3.65% | 3.65% | 4.00% | 3.90% |
Adjustments / Mo | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.16 | 0.82 |
Volatility Score | 0.032 | 0.032 | 0.029 | 0.036 |
How to read these metrics(Click to expand)
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